GRINDING IN FRONT END

IF YOU PULL IN A PARKING LOT, & YOU ARE DRIVING ABOUT FIVE MPH,TURN SHARPE TO THE LEFT OR TURN TO THE RIGHT, YOU HEAR A GRINDING SOUND IN THE FRONT END. THE STEERING WHEEL JUMPS,IT FEELS LIKE IT'S TRYING TO PUT ITSELF IN FOUR.
WHEEL DRIVE.IF YOU DRIVE STRAIGHT NO PROBLEM,IVE TAKEN IT
TO A FRONT END SHOP,THEY TELL ME NO PROBLEMS, EVEYTHING LOOKS OK. ANT SUGGESTIONS?
JOHNNY D.

i have a 2002 gmc sierra denali and when im moving and i turn in any direction at slow speeds like 5-10mph i hear a noise out of the rear axle that sounds kind of like the sound of too big of tires but it sounds like its coming out of the hub the noise dose not happen every time and it varies from really load to barely hear it, same thing with feeling it too ive been to the dealer and they where no help and im running out of options.i have a 2002 gmc sierra denali and when im moving and i turn in any direction at slow speeds like 5-10mph i hear a noise out of the rear axle that sounds kind of like the sound of too big of tires but it sounds like its coming out of the hub the noise dose not happen every time and it varies from really load to barely hear it, same thing with feeling it too ive been to the dealer and they where no help and im running out of options.

AnonymousDec 05, 2008

It is the viscous coupler in the transfer case, they act like clutches and when they heat up the chatter when turning is worse. Replace the whole transfer case It is the viscous coupler in the transfer case, they act like clutches and when they heat up the chatter when turning is worse. Replace the whole transfer case

Mine happens on my 1995 4runner. If I am pulling out of a driveway and turn the wheel I get grinding and a clunking noise. At one point I thought I heard a crack...what is that?

Mine happens on my 1995 4runner. If I am pulling out of a driveway and turn the wheel I get grinding and a clunking noise. At one point I thought I heard a crack...what is that?

AnonymousMar 19, 2014

front end of Z3 very light when driving on motor/way anybody had same problemfront end of Z3 very light when driving on motor/way anybody had same problem

AnonymousMar 23, 2014

there is vibration while driving in a straight line. the vibration becomes a hammering sound when turning right and vibration increases.there is vibration while driving in a straight line. the vibration becomes a hammering sound when turning right and vibration increases.

1 Answer

Anonymous

Re: GRINDING IN FRONT END

This sounds like a major problem. I had the same issue with a different truck. I will tell you in all honesty that the front-end is blown. The noise will continue to get worse. Soon it will occur driving in a straight line. The carrier bearings are symptomatic of failure. Its safe to drive on for a while, but in the long run you can eventually snap the front end. But before you go on rebuilding or selling the vehicle drain the fluid and replace with new and see if the problem goes away after driving 8-15 times in a flat parking lot doing figure-eights.

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Related Questions:

Is it more like a vibration and humming, than grinding noise? If so it would be a bad engine or transmission mount. To check bearings while driving.. Find an empty parking lot, Make right and left turns/circles. Making a left, if the noise get loader, the right side bearing is bad. and vice versa. Do around 10 MPH while turning circles.

The power steering pump capacity on some motor vehicles is unable to sustain full flow for more than a few seconds which could account for the noise which is the pump 'cavitating'. You might check the power steering reservoir fluid level in any case and read your car handbook for any warnings. I once owned a Mitsubishi Magna which had this limitation.

If the problem is as bad as it sounds, you may be close to parking it until fixed.Normally, if you turn left, your are "loading" the right side, and visa-versa. Think of it this way. Picture a car going fast around a turn. The wheel on the inside of the turn might actually lift off of the ground, it is "unloaded".With that thought in mind, look closely at the right front wheel. Start with the brake pads and /or rotor ( what the brake pads rub on to stop the car.)Check the rotor inside and out. A good flashlight will do. Pull the right front wheel and see if the pads are worn out or the rotor is no longer smooth, but "torn up" on the inside or the outside.If the pads and the rotor is fine, next look at the wheel bearings. This will be a bigger problem, probably a shop needs to check this out.

perform this test, SAFELY! while driving at 20-30 mph lightly pull steering wheel to left, then to right, if sound worsens, then gets better in the other direction, I believe you have a wheel bearing problem. this will be a hub bearing assembly, and is not a difficult repair.

go to empty parking lot with windoes down and drive in a circle to left and then to right if you hear a clicking noise ,grinding, thumping ,not at high speeds ,if you go fast that could do more damage. hope this gives you some help , good luck.

Hi it needs a hub bearing sounds like the left one
jack up the left side so the left wheel is off the ground and start the vehicle and spin the wheel up to about 30 mph and you should hear the same noise and if not jack up the right side and do the same
hope this helps you

Hi
Had the exact same problem, on a used 2003 Protege ES with 82,000 miles that I purchased.
Started with the loud "road noise" I thought well maybe thats just the sound that it makes.
And then noticed that it varies when turning.
This will continue to get worse and then your abs light will come on when it gets bad enough to trigger the sensor..
It turned out to be a bad wheel bearing.
Take it to a shop and have an experienced mechanic check it out. Its repairable.

I doubt it's your 4x4. Most transfer case will start turning the front driveshaft, meaning that BOTH front wheels would try to turn.

Could be a brake pad/caliper locking up on your left wheel. That'll make that wheel turn slower resulting in the veering left.

Could also be a wheel bearing. However usually you'll hear a grinding noise to go along with that. And it'll pull rather consistently in that direction rather than suddenly.

Or, what first comes to mind is that your steering box is loose, or the gear inside the steering box is stripped in one spot. Or your front tie rods could be shifting or possibly ball joints. These would cause a sudden shifting/veering.

All of these things are front end related. And also very dangerous. Take it down to any alignment shop, have them put it on a lift, and diagnose immediately.

Worse case scenerio is that a front end part breaks and sends you out of control and into someone else. Please get it checked. A diesel Suburban could do a lot of damage.